Forever, You Are My Star

Chapter 22: The Proposal

*I do not own the rights to the music in this chapter. Music credits go to Celic Woman. Giving credit where it is due.*

The moon and stars now illuminated the sky as the lights of the tavern filled up the streets. Men, women, and children all gathered around as Mey was about to break into song a dance along with her crew mates. To this day, she kept her promise, and so did Jones who was now like another father to her. She walked over to the bar and sat on the counter like she always did as Jongho and Yeosang made their way over to her. Then, Jongho began to play.

     "I came by a house last night, and told the woman I am staying. I said to her the moon was bright, and my fiddles tuned for playing." Just then Yeosang started to play which made everyone cheer. Yeosang did not play the fiddle as much as Jongho played the lute, but when he did, it was always a treat for everyone.

     "Tell me that the night is long; tell me that the moon is glowing. Fill my glass, I'll sing a song and will start the music flowing." Mey jumped off the bar top and began to dance around with Hyunjin and Han, who were smiling from ear to ear. After awhile, she switched off to Wooyoung and Mingi then danced around with some children who were enjoying the music from the door.

     "Fill the glasses one more  time, and never heed the empty bottle. Turn the water into wine and turn the party up full throttle." Yeosang and Jongho were now dancing around with some children as Mey was now dancing with Hongjoong and Seonghwa who were now a little tipsy from the rum they were consuming. San just sat proudly in his chair and she watched his favorite girl continue to sing and dance around with a big smile on her face. He never wanted that smile to fade, and sometimes he was scared it would with some of the things they had been through. He pushed those thoughts aside and smiled brightly as he drank his rum and hummed along to the music.

     "Tell me that the night is long; tell me that the moon is gleaming. Fill my glass; I'll sing a song, and we'll keep the music streaming, until all the songs are sung!" Mey kept singing as she danced around with now Chan, I.N, and Seungmin. Once she finished singing and Jongho and Yeosang finished playing, cheers erupted from the townsfolk. Mey went around and began to thank them one by one. Her crew sat back down and drank their rum; goddess only knows what round. Mey rolled her eyes and walked back to Jones who was cleaning the counter.

     "And as always, my little girl never ceases to disappoint." He said with a bright smile.

     "I'm just happy it is enjoyed every time we come here." She replied as Jones poured her a drink.

     "You have been coming here for almost a year, and every time we all look forward to it." They both looked over at her fellow crew mates and smiled as they saw them drinking, eating, and laughing among themselves and with some townsfolk sitting by. "You are very lucky to have them, you know that?" Mey smiled as she took a sip of her drink.

     "I'm more than lucky." Mey gave him a smile before quietly slipping away from the crowds and out of the tavern. She began to walk towards her hillside she admired so much. The full moon in the sky made it possible for her to see the small walkway that lead up the hill and to the swing that was now built. She gently sat down in the swing and began to rock back and forth as she began to hum the tune she always heard from this spot. It wasn't long before she heard the beautiful voice singing with her.

     "Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be. Who loves a jolly sailor that ploughs the raging sea. While up aloft in storm, from me his absence mourn, and firmly pray, arrive the day, he's never more to roam." After all these months, she still did not know who the voice belonged to, but it did not matter to her now. The voice calmed her and reminded her of her mother when she would sing. She decided to close her eyes and continue listening to the voice until she felt the swing move like someone had sat beside her. She opened her eyes to see San now sitting beside her with the smile she loved so much painted across his face. Mey then leaned into him, placing her head on his chest as he placed his arm around her waist. He took his other hand and placed it under her chin so she would look up at him. Once she did, he leaned down and claimed his lips with hers. Mey closed her eyes and reached up to place a hand on his cheek as he deepened the kiss when he felt her touch. San pulled away and just stared into her beautiful green eyes. He would never be able to get enough of those eyes; he wouldn't be able to get enough of her. Mey was everything he wanted and more, but everyday he worried he would lose her by death or the want to go back and stay in Barranor. He knew he shouldn't keep her away from her family, but the thought of not having her in his life scared him. Mey must have noticed his demeanor change as she gently began to stroke his cheek.

     "Sannie, is something wrong?" She asked sweetly. His heart always skipped a beat when she called him that. It meant so much to him. He caressed her cheek gently with his thumb dragging alone her jawline that sent chills up her spine. 

     "Just some things on my mind is all, my love." He replied with a slight smile. Mey gave a slight nod not knowing what to say. "Truth is, I guess I'm just scared."

     "Scared of what?" Mey asked again her voice now laced with concern.

     "I'm scared of losing you." San said slightly pulling away.

     "San...."

    "No, please let me finish." San then stood from the swing and knelt on his knees in front of her and took her hands in his. "The day Yunho brought you aboard the ship, and I saw it was you, I was terrified. I did not think I would ever see you again. And when you did not remember me at first, I thought you did not care anymore. But when I found out from your godfather that your memories were taken from you because of a sickness, I finally understood. Fate led us back to each other after so many years so, I made the choice of making new memories with you and show you how much I care." San leaned down and kissed her hands before looking back up at her. "I love you, Mey. I always have and I always will. Your strong will, your smart mind, your cunning ways, and your beauty, I fell in love with all of it. I know I am a lowly pirate and you are a beautiful princess, but I would love nothing more than to share a life with you." San then brought out a beautiful ring, one that matched her necklace and hair clip perfectly. He held it in his palm as he held her hand in his other. "Mey, I would be honored if I could walk beside you for the rest of your life. Will you marry me and become my wife?" Mey's voice was stuck in the back of her throat as she felt the tears now draining from her eyes. Her San, her one and only love, just asked her the question that she so longed to hear. She wiped the tears from her eyes with her free hand then nodded with excitement.

     "Yes, San, yes." San looked up at her with wide eyes.

     "You will?" Mey continued to nod.

    "Yes, of course I'll marry you! A hundred times yes!" San took her hand and placed the ring on her finger before picking her up from the swing and gathering her into his arms. He spun her in a circle as they both giggled from excitement and last nerves. San eventually let Mey stand on her two feet, but placed her in front of him. He gently grabbed the back of her head and crashed his lips onto hers. Mey wrapped her arms around his neck deepening the kiss. They eventually both pulled away breathless with San leaving small kisses on her forehead, nose, then her lips. He then placed his forehead against hers and smiled down at her.

     "I'll love you forever, Mey."

     "I'll love you forever as well, Sannie." San then gently cupped her face as Mey placed her hands on top of his.

     "Forever, you are my star." And with that, San claimed Mey's lips once more with his.